Information reference system

ABSTRACT

An information reference system for a health care provider comprising: one or more indicia bearing cards. The indicia displays information relevant to the worker to assist them in performing their duties. Each card is configured to be attached to an identity tag worn by the health care provider such that the cards are carried by the health care provider as they perform their duties.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Australian Innovation Patent 2005100656 filed on 15 Aug. 2005, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an information reference system for health care providers. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable reference system that can be worn on the clothing or body of a health care provider, such as a health care professional in a medical institution or a first aid officer in a work or leisure environment, in combination with an identification tag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Health care workers, such as doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, allied health workers, and the like perform a vital function in providing a variety of health care services to the general public. Typically, such services are provided within a hospital or other private or publicly accessed buildings, where individuals that are sick or require medical treatment/attention are admitted to be monitored and attended to by a variety of such health care workers, each trained to perform a variety of caring duties.

As most hospitals and the like treat a variety of patients with a variety of conditions, many health care workers, such as nurses, typically find themselves attending to a number of individuals with differing medical needs. This is particularly the case where individuals are of varying ages and sizes and have a number of varying pre-existing conditions, as is often the case in public hospitals and emergency wards. In many such instances, methods of treating a common condition can vary from individual to individual together with the dosages and types of medication required, depending upon their size, age and the prevalence of any pre-existing conditions.

Whilst the majority of health care workers are highly trained to deal with the variety of patients and medical conditions often encountered in a hospital environment, there is often a need to consult a variety of reference manuals and the like to ensure that the dosage and rate of medication is adjusted to suit the individual's needs as well as to ensure that the treatment being administered to the individual is sufficient for the condition. Also, with the introduction of new technological advances and equipment for treating patients, it is often difficult to keep pace with the changes required in an individual's knowledge base, hence reference manuals and the like are commonly available to assist in the operation of new equipment. However, as most nurses and the like are typically mobile throughout the hospital, it may not always be convenient to carry a reference manual with them as they do their patient rounds, and equally, to provide a centrally accessible reference library for all workers is difficult to maintain and access as books may be removed and not replaced, particularly if they are intended to service a large area of the hospital.

In this regard, there is a need to provide reference information system that is applicable to a health care workers tasks and which is readily available and accessible to them as they perform their duties.

Similarly, in many work and leisure environments, such as construction sites, schools, offices and public pools and sports grounds, one or more individuals are typically appointed to provide basic first aid care to fellow workers/patrons in need of such attention. In such circumstances, the individuals are provided with basic training to deal with a variety of common medical problems and to provide initial treatment to those in need, until suitable professional assistance arrives. Individuals typically perform the first aid duty on a volunteer basis, and are generally employed to perform other duties, and as such their knowledge, and their ability to retain knowledge, in various areas of first aid is provided is typically limited. Therefore, there is a need to provide a reference information system that provides basic first aid information and which is readily available and accessible to them if and/or when required.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The present invention is an information reference system for a health care provider comprising:

one or more indicia bearing reference aids, said indicia displaying information relevant to the health care provider to assist them in performing their duties;

wherein the or each reference aid is configured to be attached to an identification element worn by the health care provider.

In one embodiment of the invention, the reference aids are cards. The cards can be arranged to be attachable to an identification tag, being one form of an identification element, such that they are positionable substantially behind the identification tag. In this regard, the identification tag can substantially or wholly conceal the one or more cards from casual view. Such an arrangement ensures that the cards are carried by the health care provider as they perform their duties.

The one or more cards may be configured to be substantially the same size as the identification tag. In this regard, each of the cards and the identification tag can be interconnected at a common location. The identification tag and the cards can be provided with a hole at the common location to facilitate interconnection. In one form, the respective holes can have an elongate connector extending therethrough. Examples include a cord, a string, a chain or the like which interconnects the identification tag and the cards and enables the interconnected components to be worn around the neck of the worker. In another form, the hole can receive a clip which interconnects the identification tag and the one or more cards and enables the interconnected components to be attached to the clothing of the worker.

The type of information displayed on the one or more cards can vary between individuals. In one form the information may include; electrocardiogram (ECG) information to assist in determining which ECG signs are typical for a variety of medical conditions; intravenous drip settings to deliver an appropriate drip rate over a desired time period; various patient assessment checklists for assessing various aspects of the human body; pathological information for assessing pathology tests and results; and drug dosages and equipment settings for administering CPR and the like. It will be appreciated that the worker could use a single card, two cards, or three or more such cards as they deem necessary to perform their duties.

Each reference aid can be coloured and/or shaped and/or sized depending upon the type of information displayed by the indicia. In this regard, reference aids carrying information related to similar topics can be readily grouped together, depending on the colour and/or shape and/or size of the cards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example only, the invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a typical health care worker carrying a variety of identification tags;

FIG. 2 depicts a typical identification tag arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of the reference system of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B depicts examples of reference cards of the reference system of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an alternative embodiment of the reference library of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 depicts yet another embodiment of the reference system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In recent years it has become common in most hospitals to provide increased security and security measures to ensure that access to various areas of the hospital is restricted to only essential health care workers. This has been necessary to prevent untrained individuals from illegally accessing potential harmful medication, as well as to protect patients, who are typically incapacitated, from theft of their personal belongings. Also, such identification assists health care workers and patients in identifying each other and the role and position of such staff, particularly in areas where staff turnover is significant and where shift-work is common.

Hence, in most hospital environments it is mandatory for health care workers to wear or otherwise carry identification tags or labels which clearly identify the individual by name and photo as well as their position and any security clearance they may have to access restricted areas of the hospital. Such an identification tag is clearly worn at all times within the hospital grounds and is positioned such that it is clearly visible and accessible, particularly if it needs to be readily swiped to access locked or restricted areas.

Similarly, in many work and leisure environments, such as construction sites, schools, offices and public pools and sports grounds, one or more individuals are typically appointed to provide basic first aid care to fellow workers/patrons in need of such attention. Such individuals are typically identifiable by way of an identification card or the like which is worn on the body of the individual. In such circumstances where it is mandatory for individuals to wear identification tags as they go about their daily business, such as in offices and building sites, those individuals with a first aid duty may be readily identifiable by way of a colour code or the like provided on their identification tags, which readily identifies them as a health care provider.

FIG. 1 shows a health care provider 10, such as a nurse or the other health care professional, or an individual with first aid training and qualifications, carrying a variety of identification tags 12 as discussed above. It will be appreciated that typically only one identification tag 12 will be worn by the health care provider 10, however FIG. 1 is provided to show some of the variety of ways in which the identification tag 12 can be carried.

As shown, the identification tag 12 can be carried around the neck of the health care provider 10, clipped or otherwise attached to a pocket or the like on a shirt of the health care provider, or clipped or attached to their trouser or belt region. In each of these instances, the tag 12 can be readily detached to be examined by a security officer or placed over a scanning device or the like (not shown) to enable access or admittance to a restricted area of the hospital or workplace, as required. In this regard, the tag 12 may be attached by an extension cord which can be extended and retracted as necessary, without requiring complete removal from their body. It will be appreciated that the manner in which the tag 12 is attached to the health care provider 10 can vary whilst still falling within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an identification tag 12 of the type which is configured to be worn around the neck of the health care provider 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The identification tag 12 typically provides photo identification of the individual, their name, position and work area as well as an identification number or security clearance as required. The tag 12 may also contain a bar code, magnetic strip or other electrical identification means which may be read by a scanning unit or the like to permit access to restricted areas of the hospital or workplace.

The tag 12 is made from a relatively stiff plastics material and is provided with a hole 16 formed proximal an upper edge thereof for receiving a cord or band 14 which enables the tag 12 to be worn around the neck. A clip (not shown) may also be provided which is attached to the cord or band 14 and secures the tag 12 thereto by engaging the tag 12 through the hole 16.

A clear and flexible pouch 18 may also be provided to receive the tag 12 to provide a protective housing for the tag.

FIG. 3 shows one arrangement of the present invention in combination with the identification tag arrangement of FIG. 2. In this arrangement, a plurality of reference aids 22 are provided to be positioned behind the tag 12. The reference aids 22 are in the form of laminated cards 24 having a variety of printed information 26 provided on one or both sides thereof. In this embodiment, each of the cards 24 are shaped to be substantially the same size as the identification tag 12, such that they can be readily assembled behind the tag 12 to form a single unit as shown in FIG. 3.

An eyelet 28 is provided in the upper edge of each of the cards 24 which is positioned at substantially the same location as the hole 16 in the tag 12, such that when the cards 24 are assembled behind the tag 12, the eyelets 18 on each card align together with the hole 16 to receive cord or band 14 (as shown in FIG. 3) or a clip element 32 (as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). The eyelet 28 provides a means for interconnecting each of the cards 24 and the tag 12 at a common location.

It will be appreciated that the cards 24 in the depicted embodiment, are considerably thinner and more flexible than the tag 12, thereby enabling the user to bend and otherwise manipulate the cards 24 to read the information provided thereon. As alluded to above, each of the depicted cards 24 are of approximately equal size (in this case about 60×100 mm), and approximately the same size as the identification tag 12. It will be appreciated that in use, the cards will not be noticeable by a casual observer as they are assembled behind the tag 12, thereby providing a neat and mobile reference system for the health care provider which is carried by them at all times. In order to access the library of information provided by the system, the health care provider merely removes their security tag from around their neck or shirt pocket and locates the desired piece of information contained on the cards. Alternatively, in the event that the security card is attached to the individual by a retractable cord or the like, the security card can be merely extended from the attached position and manipulated without requiring detachment from their body.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each of the cards bear indicia in the form of written information or symbols conveying data relevant to the particular health care provider. The type of information provided on the cards 24 can vary from individual to individual.

The cards shown in FIG. 4A are typically suitable for a health care professional such as a nurse or the like. Therefore, the information provided may include information such as: patient assessment information; intravenous drip rates; basic ward routine information; feed drip rates; basic peg tube management information; electrocardiogram (ECG) information to assist in determining which ECG signs are typical for a variety of medical conditions; various patient assessment checklists for assessing various aspects of the human body; pathological information for assessing pathology tests and results; and drug dosages and equipment settings for administering CPR and the like. Other information may also be provided on the cards to assist the nurse or the like in readily checking or assessing a patient without having to locate or consult an external reference material. It is envisaged that over time, the individual workers will be able to customise the information contained on the cards to ensure that they have the appropriate information readily at hand to suit their daily needs.

The cards shown in FIG. 4B are typically suitable for use in the community by first aid care givers and the like. In this regard, the information is more general and of a nature that assists in recognising and assessing conditions and their symptoms, which may be required in a classroom or office situation. Such information may include: recognition and management of various common and potentially fatal illnesses, such as anaphylaxis and asthma; information relating to resuscitation procedures and applying CPR, as well as recognising and assisting individuals suffering from chest pain and/or a heart attack. Such information is typically provided to assist first aid care givers deal with problems that they are likely to confront as they perform their duties to provide a useful reference library for understanding and treating such conditions while professional medical assistance is being sought.

To aid in readily locating the desired card(s) 24 during use, the card(s) relating to different topics may be of a different colour/shape/size as applicable.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this embodiment, the identification tag 12 and the cards 24 are secured together on a clip 32 by way of a ring 36 such that the cards 24 are retained in position behind the tag 12. The ring 36 comprises a pair of inter-engaging arms which can be readily pried open to remove the tag 12 or cards 24 as required. The clip 32 comprises a pair of alligator claws 34 which enable the arrangement to be readily attached to a lapel of a shirt or a shirt pocket of the individual as required. It will be appreciated that the manner in which the assembly is attached to the individual can vary and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Providing the tag 12 and the cards 24 on the ring 36 enables both the tag and the cards to be readily flipped to access and read cards disposed towards the rear of the arrangement. In use, the health care provider merely removes the arrangement from their lapel or shirt pocket and flips through the cards to locate the one containing the desired information. Following access of the information, the cards 24 and tag 12 can be returned to the position whereby the tag is positioned at the front, and the assembly can be reattached to the body of the individual to enable them to proceed with their regular duties.

FIG. 6 resembles yet another arrangement of the present invention. In this arrangement, the cards 24 are attached to the identification tag 12 at a single location via a pin 38. The pin 38 has a hollow central portion and extends through an upper corner of the cards 24 and tag 12 securing them together at this location. The pin 38 has a front and rear flange 39 which secures the cards 24 and tag 12 together and which enables the individual cards 24 and tag 12 to move independently in a swivel-like manner as shown. Such independent movement of the elements allows the health care provider to access and read individual cards to glean the information obtained thereon as required, without having to dismantle the arrangement.

The hollow central portion of the pin 38 is able to receive a cord or the like such that the arrangement can be secured to the individual such as to the individual's belt as shown in FIG. 1. In this regard, the individual can merely grip the arrangement and cause it to extract from the belt to access the cards 24, and following use of the cards, the arrangement can retract to a position whereby the identification tag is front most.

In each of the above described embodiments there is provided a reference system for the health care worker which is conveniently carried by the user as they perform their daily duties. As the reference system is arranged to be attached to the worker's identification badge, it is constantly carried with the worker.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 

1. An information reference system for a health care provider comprising: one or more indicia bearing reference aids, said indicia displaying information relevant to the health care provider to assist them in performing their duties; wherein the or each reference aid is configured to be attached to an identification element worn by the health care provider.
 2. An information reference system according to claim 1, wherein the or each reference aid is a card.
 3. An information reference system according to claim 2, wherein the identifier element is an identification tag, and the or each card is positionable substantially behind the identification tag.
 4. An information reference system according to claim 1, wherein the or each reference aid is substantially the same size as the identification element.
 5. An information reference system according to claim 1, wherein the or each reference aid and the identification element are interconnected at a common location.
 6. An information reference system according to claim 1, wherein each reference aid may be coloured and/or shaped and/or sized depending upon the type of information displayed by the indicia. 